Mutual Mine 50K/30K Trail Run

New for 2016, a 30K option has been added and the course will be run in the opposite direction as previous years, doing Loop D first, followed by Loop C for the 50K runners. This will give 30K participants the opportunity to experience the D Loop, which I feel is the most scenic area on the Citrus Tract.
Check-in will start at 7 AM, with a trail briefing at 7:45 AM. Both distances will start from the trailhead at 8 AM, taking the blue-blazed connector trail to the Loop C junction, where they will turn left onto Loop C - orange or yellow blazes. At the C/D connector junction, go right on the Connector Trail (blue blazes) to the C/D junction, turn left onto Loop D - orange or yellow blazes, continuing to follow Loop D, crossing CR Road 480 twice (watch-out for fast moving traffic) until you come to the C/D connector junction. This is the point where the 30K and 50K runners split, with the 30K going straight onto Loop C. At the junction of the connector trail to the campground, 30K runners will turn right to the finish. At the C/D connector, the 50K runners will turn left on the C/D connector (blue blazes) to the next junction. This time going straight onto Loop C (orange or yellow blazes) and aid station #3 in about ¼ mile. From the aid station, continue on Loop C to the B/C connector, where it is a right turn on the connector trail to the next junction, then left onto Loop B. At this point, runners will take a short out-and-back on Loop B taking them to FR 13, aid station #4, where they will turn around, return on Loop B to the B/C Connector and continue straight onto Loop C. This time, when you reach the connector trail to the campground, you will turn left and head for the finish.
In addition to blazes painted on the trees, very visible and close together, and signs at all junctions, there will also be directional arrows on paper plates and some flagging at every junction. Although the course may sound confusing, it is not difficult to follow if you pay attention and take time to read the signs.
Fully-stocked aid stations will be located at approximately miles 5.5, 13, 18, and 24.5. There are some long distances, over 6 miles, between some aid stations, so carry plenty of water and be prepared. This is an old-school type of ultra and I don't cater to wimps and whiners However, I also don't have a lot of rules, don't have cut-off times, just ask that you make a donation based on what you can afford, so that I can cover my expenses for the permit, food, and finisher's awards. I emphasize having fun and finishing.
The course is not flat. There are a few rolling hills, but the trails are overall smooth, runnable and shaded.
Directions to start: Take Highway 44 West through Inverness,, turn south (left) on to CR 581 (Pleasant Grove Road) and drive approximately 5.2 miles, turn right (west) onto Forest Road 16 and into the campground. Watch for the brown sign for Mutual Mine Recreation Area.
Accomodations: Camping at Mutual Mine. $15 per site, flush toilets, but no showers, up to 5 people per site, $8 if you are a Florida resident over age 65. There is also camping with showers at Holder Mine Recreation Area, about 5 miles away, and a couple of motels in Inverness. The only motel I can recommend is the Central Motel, however, it may be sold-out as the Cooter Festival is going on in Inverness that weekend.